About
Welcome to the Centre for Himalayan Studies at the University of Delhi. Established in 2021, coinciding with the centenary year of the University, our centre is dedicated to advancing research and development across various facets of the Himalayan region. The Himalayas, celebrated for their youthful geological formation and iconic peaks like Mount Everest, serving as a crucial biodiversity hotspot, hosting nearly 52.7 million people which is spread over five countries namely India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bhutan. Several Indian states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and the eight North-eastern states of India - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and parts of West Bengal are integral part of the great Himalayan ecosystem having diverse ecosystems and cultures. Our centre is committed to delving into the intricacies of this unique ecosystem, with a focus on its significance as the "third pole" of water and a vital reservoir of freshwater resources. Our research agenda is tailored to address pressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
Himalayan Summer
Research Program
(HSRP) – 2026 | 4 June – 3 July
The Himalayan Summer Research Program (HSRP) 2026 is curated to provide students with practical research experience focusing on the physio-ecological and socio-cultural aspects of the Himalayas. This self-financed program leverages academic resources, mentorship, and student contributions to create a meaningful and impactful experience and academic writing of a research report.
It focuses on 'Mountain Ecosystem and Governance and its emerging frontiers' — facilitating students with frameworks of new-age mountain research along with hands-on applied training encompassing physical and human aspects and socio-ecological systems in a time–space continuum. The self-reinforced program leverages a heutagogical teaching framework, domain-expert sessions, remote mentorship, and student contributions to generate robust, evidence-based mountain ecosystem research and governance outcomes through a synergistic Science–Policy–Industry interface.
Objectives
A multi-disciplinary research centre devoted to study the Himalayan history, geography, society, economy, polity, culture, traditional knowledge, bioresources, environment, sustainable development and related fields.
Himalayan Geosystem: Society and Sustainability Investigation
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Himalayas with this unique field trip to Chenab Basin with the theme of, designed specifically for Masters students. This immersive experience will blend academic exploration with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and opportunities for independent research.
Video Gallery
Himalayan Ecosystem: Society and Sustainability
Join us on a transformative journey through the Himalayan ecosystem on a field visit by the Centre for Himalayan Studies from 02/05/2024 to 08/05/2024, guided by Prof. B.W. Pandey. Explore Manali, Upper Beas basin, Solang, Sisu, Koksar, Keylong, and Darcha Pass. Witness the region's beauty, traditions, and culture, followed by an enlightening interview with Prof. B.W. Pandey on environmental challenges. Delve into issues like degradation, uncontrolled tourism and sustainable solutions.
Himalaya: The Crown of Culture
This documentary is part of the Himalayan Research Internship Programme conducted under the supervision of Prof. Bindhy Wasini Pandey, Director, Centre for Himalayan Studies, University of Delhi. This internship envisages the importance of fieldwork and research in the Himalayan region, facing many challenges such as climate change, increasing population, land use and land cover change and environmental degradation.
Activities
- World Mountain Day Celebration
- Peer Research Group Meeting
- HHRS Program
- Himalayan Trip: Chenab Basin Field Trip
Theme: Himalayan Geosystem: Society and Sustainability Investigation - International Collaborations Seminar (24th May 2024)
- International Collaborations Workshop (30th May 2024)
- हिमोत्सव 2024 Himalaya: The Crown of Life and Cultural Niche (9th September 2024)
- International Mountain Day 2024
- Himalayan Research Internship Program (HRIP) 2025
- Short Term Course on 'SPATIAL ANALYTICAL TOOLS FOR ADVANCED ACADEMIC RESEARCH'
World Mountain Day Celebration:
The Centre for Himalayan Studies orchestrated a successful Mountain Day celebration on December 11th, 2023. Through various activities like panel discussions, film screenings, and cultural performances, the event heightened awareness about the pivotal role of mountain ecosystems in sustainable development with especial focus on the Himalaya.
Peer Research Group Meeting:
On February 19th, 2024, the Centre for Himalayan Studies convened a Peer Research Group Meeting, fostering collaborative research and knowledge exchange among Himalayan scholars from different departments of University of Delhi. This platform facilitated fruitful discussions on emerging trends and areas for future collaboration and formation of 29 themes based on the research work related to different aspects of the Himalaya for future references.
HHRS Program:
The Centre for Himalayan Studies conducted a Himalaya Hind Mahasagar Rashtra Samuh (HHRS) program in the Law Faculty on March 5th and 6th, 2024 in collaboration with Jamia Millia Islamia University and Forum for Awareness of National Security. This program explored the intricate nexus between human rights, environmental sustainability, and legal frameworks in the Himalayas, attracting scholars, legal experts, and practitioners, security forces, ambassadors from various countries.
Himalayan Trip: Chenab Basin Field Trip
Theme: Himalayan Geosystem: Society and Sustainability Investigation
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Himalayas with this unique field trip to Chenab Basin, designed specifically for Masters students. This immersive experience will blend academic exploration with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and opportunities for independent research.
On 21st May 2024, a meeting was convened with the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Prof. Yogesh Singh, to discuss the critical importance of the Himalayas and the pressing ecological issues threatening this vital mountain range. The meeting was attended by distinguished guests from the University of Delhi and international universities including University of Bath Spa and the University of Cumbria. The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University of Delhi's commitment to supporting research initiatives, academic programs, and outreach activities focused on the Himalayan region.
International Collaborations Seminar (24th May 2024):
The Centre for Himalayan Studies in collaboration with University of Cumbria and Bath Spa University organised an International Collaborations Seminar on May 24th, 2024. The seminar on Himalayan Geosystem addressed sustainable development in the Himalayas, emphasising conservation, climate resilience, and cross-border collaboration, exploring strategies to preserve biodiversity while promoting socio-economic growth.
International Collaborations Workshop (30th May 2024):
The Centre for Himalayan Studies in collaboration with University of Cumbria and Bath Spa University organised an International Collaborations Workshop on May 30th, 2024.
International Symposium on Changing Status of Ecosystem Health of the River Ganga
The "International Hybrid Symposium on Changing Status of Ecosystem Health of the River Ganga: An Update and Review" was organized by the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society, South and South East Asia Chapter, in collaboration with multiple institutions. The hybrid symposium took place on June 10-11, 2024, at the Centre for Himalayan Studies, University of Delhi, gathering leading researchers, experts, and scientists from various fields working on different aspects of the River Ganga.
Himalayan Research Internship Program (HRIP) 2024
The Centre for Himalayan Studies (CHS) launched a comprehensive training and internship program aimed at equipping students with skills to tackle challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and disaster risk within the Himalayan ecosystem. The program was specifically designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering hands-on experience and theoretical understanding across diverse areas in Himachal Pradesh. The "Himalayan Expedition and Research Investigation" took place from June 21 to July 20, 2024, including a field trip to the Ravi Basin from July 6 to July 11.
Himotsav 2024: Celebration of Himalaya Diwas
The Centre for Himalayan Studies hosted Himotsav 2024, "Himalaya: The Crown of Life and Culture," on 9th September 2024, to observe Himalayan Day. This pivotal event brought together scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the Himalayan region's pressing challenges and opportunities, featuring distinguished speakers on climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and indigenous knowledge.
Public Lecture: "Bodily Knowledge of Cultural Practices: Analytical Tools towards an Embodied Epistemology"
Centre for Himalayan Studies, University of Delhi in collaboration with Centre for Tribal Studies organized a public lecture on 13th September, 2024. The lecture showcased the importance of cultural practices for preservation of culture, followed by a cultural event showcasing dance forms and folk songs of the Himalayan region of India.
International Mountain Day 2024
Centre for Himalayan Studies, University of Delhi celebrated International Mountain Day 2024 by organizing an International Conference themed "Mountain Resilience: Securing the Future of the Himalaya in the Era of Anthropocene Climate Change" to understand the impacts of human activities on the fragile and ecologically sensitive environment of the Himalaya.
Workshop: "HIMALAYA: GUARDIAN OF ECOSYSTEM, CULTURES AND COMMUNITIES"
Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi in association with the Centre for Himalayan Studies organized a workshop on 21st December, 2024 at AVLT Hall, Indraprastha College for Women. The workshop delivered different methods of understanding the ecosystems, diverse cultures and unique communities of the Himalaya and the threats they face in context of current climate change.
Accelerating Change: Flood Hazard-Disaster Databases in the Indian Himalayan Region
Disaster statistics for mountain regions reveal a concerning trend of increasing event occurrence, injuries, fatalities, and socio-economic impacts. This reflects increases in population, infrastructure exposure and vulnerability, as well as increasing hazard frequency and magnitude. A much better evaluation of future risk is required, and this needs an improved understanding of historical disaster impacts and losses to support improved disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation goals.
International Conference on Geospatial Innovations for Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Development
The international conference aimed to harness geospatial technologies to address global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. By bringing together scholars, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, the conference fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration. Topics included species distribution, habitat connectivity, climate modelling, disaster risk assessment, and sustainable agriculture.
International Seminar, 23rd May, 2025
On "Climate Change and Mountain Resilience"
The University of Cumbria, in collaboration with the Centre for Himalayan Studies, University of Delhi, organised an International Seminar on Climate Change, Vulnerability, Resilience, and Integrated Mountain Development on May 23, 2025. The hybrid seminar focused on urgent challenges faced by mountain ecosystems due to climate change and explored adaptive strategies for building resilience and sustainable development in these fragile environments.
HIMALAYAN SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAMME
5th June — 15th July
The Thirty Days Himalayan Summer Research Program (HSRP), organised under the aegis of the Centre for Himalayan Studies, is a de-novo program on Mountain Ecosystem and Governance. It equips students with theoretical frameworks of new-age mountain research and supplements these with hands-on applied training addressing ecological and socio-cultural aspects of the Himalayas. The self-reinforced curriculum leverages heutagogy, sessions by domain experts, curated academic resources, remote mentorship, and active student contributions to generate robust evidence- and knowledge-based research and governance outcomes with a synergistic Science–Policy–Industry interface.
- Program focus: Mountain ecosystem dynamics, governance, conservation, and community resilience.
- Learning mode: Lectures, field practicums, remote mentorship & student-led projects.
- Outcome: Research briefs, policy notes, and evidence-based recommendations.
Contact
Location:
Dream Building, North Campus, University of Delhi, Delhi
Email:
director@himalayanstudies.du.ac.in,
bwpandey@geography.du.ac.in
Call:
+91-9560525260